... bodyguard would have opposed it had they been strong enough,—as do equally cruel politicians who are strong enough,— but the bully still doubted the strength of his party. A proposal so atrocious had beep made, in the case of little William, at the very outset, and had met with but slight opposition. Had it not been for the brave English sailor, the lad would certainly have fallen a sacrifice to the horrid appetites of these horrid men. With one of themselves, however, the case was ... — The Ocean Waifs - A Story of Adventure on Land and Sea • Mayne Reid
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